MMU remains top private university in Malaysia

CYBERJAYA: Multimedia University (MMU) is still the top private university in Malaysia, according to the QS Asian University Rankings 2012.

The annual ranking, which is conducted by QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd., currently places MMU in its 191-200 band, suggesting a tie.

The ordering of the ranking seems to indicate that MMU is currently ranked 194 in all of Asia.

This rank is an improvement over last year's standing, where MMU ranked 201+. MMU's current ranking places it as the seventh-best overall university in Malaysia.

Malaysian universities in the list were University Malaya (no. 35 in Asia), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (58), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (74), Universiti Putra Malaysia (76), International Islamic University Malaysia (151-160), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (161-170), Multimedia University (191-200 / 194), Universiti Teknologi Petronas (201-250), Universiti Teknologi Mara (201-250), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (251-300), Lim Kok Wing University (251-300), Universiti Tenaga Nasional(251-300), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (251-300) and Universiti Utara Malaysia (251-300).

President of MMU, Professor Dato' Dr. Muhamad Rasat Muhamad, was very happy with the news.

"We are happy not just with the ranking, but also with the improvement of our ranking," he said.

"We are constantly trying to find how we should distribute our modest resources so that we could not only successfully teach our students, but at the same time grow as a full-fledged university."

"This ranking tells us that we are on the right track. It is really gratifying. We are motivated more than ever to keep improving MMU," he added.

His enthusiasm is shared by Professor Tou Teck Yong, MMU's Vice-President (R&D).

"This ranking will certainly impel us to do better," he said.

"We know we can achieve a better rank than this. We have looked at the judging criteria used by QS Quacquarelli, and their data state that we produce more papers per faculty than other Malaysian universities, we are the best Malaysian university for international students, and our academic reputation is also relatively high."

Prof. Tou added, "Now that we have identified our areas of strength, we can develop the other areas and achieve better standing. This will greatly benefit not only the university, but also our students."

MMU Multimedia University (MMU) is Malaysia's first private university. This tertiary education institution was set up through Universiti Telekom Sdn Bhd (UTSB), a wholly owned subsidiary of TM.

As the first private university in Malaysia, MMU developed the pioneer model for the successful establishment of private universities in the nation, paving the way for the growth of the private tertiary education sector.

Set up 16 years ago, it now has 20,000 students.

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This has been made possible with a collaboration between Multimedia University (MMU) and the University of Southern California (USC) to offer a Bachelor of Cinematic Arts course, said to be the first in Malaysia.

“Ours is different from other film-related courses available locally as we focus on a wide range of subjects involving activities in the film making industry,” said MMU chairman Datuk Dr Halim Shafie.

He said the syllabus offered in the programme include cinematography, screen writing, directing, post production and television writing as well as script-to-screen approach.

Halim said the university decided to work with USC as it was recognised worldwide for its prestigious film programmes and studies that produced Hollywood personalities.

Among them are Ugly Betty's America Ferrera, Kelly Preston, who starred alongside Tom Cruise in Jerry McGuire and movie legend John Wayne.

Halim said the programme would start at the university's Cyberjaya campus from June 2012 before moving to its new campus in Educity@Nusajaya near here upon completion in 2014.

UTeM team wins awards at invention show

MALACCA: University Technical Malaysia (UTeM) did the country proud when it brought home several gold medals from the British Invention Show 2008 (BIS) in Hertfordshire, Britain, recently.

Several teams representing the university won one double-gold, three gold and one silver medal in the international competition from Oct 15 to 18.

Among the winners were the university’s Electrical Engineering Faculty which came out tops for its computerised wireless helicopter control system.

“The win was a surprise for us, and we were the last to be announced. I had packed up and was getting ready to leave,” said Alias Khamis, who represented his team.

The team’s research project required it to design and implement a PC-based remote control system for a model helicopter capable of aerial surveillance across 60m to 4km, depending on the size of the helicopter.

The helicopter’s control was designed with Visual Basic software and using a Graphic User Interface linked to a wireless camera attached to the helicopter’s body.

“I was happy and immediately called my team mates in Malaysia to tell them the good news.

“Being at the show was great but winning the competition was a bonus,” he added.

Alias, a 29-year-old lecturer who holds a Masters Degree in electrical engineering, said he gained invaluable experience at the show and made friends who shared the same interest.

He said he and his team mates initiated the project from scratch about a year ago.

“It was good exposure and a learning experience for us in technical know-how and conceptual proficiency. We took on a trial-and-error approach before we succeeded,” he added.

Present at victory celebrations at the university in Ayer Keroh were his team mates Hyreil Anuar Kasdirin, Muhammad Herman Jamaluddin, Ahmad Zaki Shukor, Hairul Mizam Mohd Shah and Norsarizan Mat Youb.

He said the win proved that humans and machines could interact with the use of computers from a distance.

“Our application can be used for safety and monitoring or research on other intelligent-control and embedded-control systems,” he said, adding that the team was looking at integrating its design with a global positioning system.

UTeM hoping for more research grants

MALACCA: Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Yusoff Hassan hopes that more research grants would be allocated under the 2012 Budget.

He said the funds are needed to ensure continued research and advances in science and technology.

“We must strive harder as competition for reserach grants is stiff,” he said at UTeM Quality Day 2011 and excellent service award presentation ceremony in Durian Tunggal here.

Ahmad Yusoff said he is proud with the average 82.59% score achieved by UTeM straff and the 41 awards won last year.

The university has 7,500 students and 750 staff and won 18 awards so far including five foreign honours at a design and invention exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland.

He said UTeM will try to secure more research grants and also financial assistance to build a Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

UTeM, added Ahmad Yusoff, would also introduce new Bachelor’s degree programmes in electrical, electronic, mechanical and manufacturing engineering for its intake in September. –Bernama.

Creativity blooms at Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology

THE EYE-CATCHING and colourful appearance of Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology should be enough to convince anyone that this is an educational institution with a difference. Walking into the sprawling Cyberjaya campus, one is hard-pressed to decide where to look first. The ultra-modern architecture, the beautiful art sculptures, the chic open-air café; it is almost like being in a first-rate shopping complex rather than a campus.

“We are not just another school; Limkokwing is quite an amazing place,” says its president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing.

“We want students to be happy when they come here; their surroundings should inspire their creativity. That’s why we make the campus beautiful and comfortable,” he adds.

Contributing to the comfort and ambience are little touches and facilities such as a cosy student lounge, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a boutique featuring Limkokwing’s own clothing range and a creativity library.

With such an emphasis on creating a happy atmosphere, it is little wonder that many students choose to stay on at the university college, even after they have completed their studies.

Lim says that there is plenty of industry on the campus itself, with current and former students running the entire marketing department.

Limkokwing marketing services manager Shenjeet Kaur Gill is one such student. She started off as part of the student ambassador programme which allowed her to play active roles in roadshows and public relation campaigns while still studying.

With a student body comprising over 50 nationalities, Limkokwing offers students a rich melting pot of diverse cultural experiences and numerous opportunities for international networking.

She loved her experiences so much that upon graduation, she decided to continue her career in the university college.

“I have lots of good memories of this place, and I’m already familiar with the culture here. Plus, I really love the atmosphere,” says Shenjeet, who handles university and industrial placements for students.

Similarly, marketing services manager Saji Nair says she decided to work at Limkokwing because she truly believes in the institution.

“I had so much fun during my days as a student here, especially in the Ambassadors programme. So when it was time to work, I chose Limkokwing because I wanted to sell a product that I had faith in,” she says.

As the pioneer of the industry-within-university concept which is embodied by the presence of the Malaysian Design and Innovation Centre (MDI), Limkokwing offers opportunities for students to work with industry while still studying. This exposes them to renowned brands and clients and increases their employability.

The experience of working with names such as Nokia, Samsung, Nestle and Bonia as well as with the various ministries also helps students gain the professionalism and experience necessary to succeed in the working world.

Mass communications student Rosheen Fatima Abdul Mutalip from Penang says she enjoys her course and retains what she learns much better due to the industry-based syllabus.

“The programme here has a definite emphasis on practical training, which helps me to grasp concepts better. I’ve also learnt how to integrate into a professional environment as Limkokwing places a lot of importance on meeting deadlines,” she says.

Whether they end up contributing to Limkokwing’s own development or moving on to other fields, it is obvious that the students are moulded to be unique and outstanding. Lim emphasises that students are encouraged to develop their own personalities and be happy with themselves.

He defines a Limkokwing student as someone who is technology-savvy, smart and very well presented.

“By well presented, I don’t mean just someone with good looks. He or she should also have poise, charm and confidence. Our students are taught to project themselves in the best light.

“We want to make sure our students leave with both style and substance,” he continues. “Not stylish in an artificial way but in the real sense. When a potential employer sees a confident and ‘sparkling’ candidate who stands out from the rest, it is a no-brainer whom he will hire!”

Limkokwing’s emphasis on inculcating elements of creativity into all its programmes ensures that it produces graduates who are both versatile and progressive.

Lim also says creativity is not something that is confined to design and art students.

“Creativity is purely a thought process, and we try to expose students to this mode of thinking. There is not a thing in the world that is not driven by creativity. Even if students are not pursuing design courses, there are so many stimuli around campus that they are influenced to use their imagination,” says Lim.

LIM: ‘All our students are trained to be great team players, good colleagues and supportive family members.’

He adds that creative thinking can be applied to everything.

“A business student, for example, can be creative about a presentation. This will set him or her apart and give that extra edge.”

At Limkokwing, students are also exposed to a great deal of diversity as the student body comprises over 50 nationalities. The varied culture and background of the students help students to expand their horizons.

“The students are encouraged to mingle and share ideas, which really allows local and international students to learn from each other,” he says.

Business information systems student Theo Darryl Masenya of Botswana agrees.

“We work with different types of people and learn to function well as team players. The business-oriented industrial training also gives us a taste of the working world and make us independent workers. No need to babysit us,” he says.

Besides providing a strong foundation and grounding in academics, Limkokwing also tries to provide students with the right environment for personality development and the acquisition of soft skills.

“All our students are trained to be great team players, good colleagues and supportive family members,” says Lim.

Limkokwing is a contributor to the Star Education Fund.

Limkokwing spreading its wings globally

Limkokwing University, with its distinctive logo of white letters against a black background, comes to mind when one talks about creativity and design education.

Limkokwing the brand is not only famous in the education industry but also a big name in the world of advertising and communications.

Limkokwing the man is Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, the founder and president of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, the official name of the institution.

“Yes, I use my name for the institute. You will ask why,” he tells this reporter.

The journey to the creation of Limkokwing University started in 1990 when Lim established an unconventional college with focus on developing the creative thinking of its students.

Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing says the university is looking to open a campus in the United States

Lim recalls that several “generic type” names were tested for his college but the research company he hired also suggested for Lim to test his name.

“When the results came back, the research company said, Why don’t you use your name because people already know you?. And that’s how we got started,” he tells StarBizWeek.

As for the black and white corporate colours, he says: “I noticed many friends who are writers or artists like to wear either black or white. If you pay attention to it, you will see that too.”

In 1992, Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology took in its pioneer batch of 200 students and the number of intakes grew from year to year.

Between 2001 and 2003, Limkokwing Institute received several industry excellence awards from entities such as the International Trade and Industry Ministry and the Education Ministry. In early 2003, it was granted university college status and a year later, launched its campus in Cyberjaya.

Today, at its Cyberjaya campus, Limkokwing University has 9,000 students, of whom 65% are foreigners from 135 countries. “We are not huge but we are the most globalised university in the country,” Lim notes.

Lately, if you glance through the advertisements in the newspapers or drive on highways in the Klang Valley, you may notice huge advertisements on Limkokwing London.

Yes, Limkokwing University has spread its wings overseas to other parts of Asia, Africa and Europe.

Lim says it was his intention to train more talented people for the design and advertising industry when he first set up Limkokwing Institute.

This was because he found there were very few capable people in the sector when he was appointed president of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) many years ago.

“When I was the 4As president, I started training people for the industry. And I said to myself, When I have the time, I will set up a training centre. When I started it, it was only for Malaysians,” he says.

After opening the Cyberjaya campus, Lim went on to bring Malaysian education overseas, setting up the country’s first full-fledged offshore university in May 2007 in Goborone, the capital of Botswana, in Africa.

In October 2007, Limkokwing University opened a campus in London. Last year, it set up two more campuses in Botswana and another in Lesotho, Africa.

In Asia, it has a campus each in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Bali, Indonesia, and a strategic partnership with two China’s elite institutions – Tsinghua University and Peking University – in Beijing.

With the opening of more overseas campuses, Limkokwong University recently introduced the concept of Global Classroom where students can transfer to as many countries as they want so that they can experience the cultures of different campuses.

“We will create more universities on our own and establish more partnerships worldwide,” Lim says.

He plans to open another campus in Indonesia and more campuses in Africa, and has started to explore the United States.

Globally, Limkokwing University now has 25,000 students from 144 countries.

“I hope that within 10 years, we will reach one million students. You can’t have one million on campus but you can have one million students if you have a lot of them doing online courses,” he adds.

Limkokwing University has faculties in multimedia creativity, design innovation, architecture and the built environment, communications, media and broadcasting, business management and globalisation, information and communications technology, as well as sound and music design.

It plans to launch new programmes, including online and mobile, within two years.

“Now, we are designing mobile content programmes, video production on mobile and so on. We are preparing our students to migrate from computer to mobile phone,” Lim says, adding that in the future, all one needs is a mobile phone to do business anywhere in the world.

You will not even need a laptop, he reckons. “So, we are preparing for that day,” he says.

Limkokwing University has four intakes per year with an average of 500 students per intake.

“We have been growing steadily. This year, we will still grow despite the current (tough) economic situation.

“The downturn has not affected us so far. But if the global recession prolongs, it will affect student intake. They will stay home,” he says.

Only three colleges attain 6-star rating

PUTRAJAYA: Only three (1.4 percent) of 120 active private colleges in the country attain the six-star rating while 72 (34.3 percent) are below satisfactory.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the three colleges are Penang Medical College, Segi College Subang Jaya and Taylor's College Subang Jaya.

He said 20 colleges (9.5 percent) attained five-star rating, 60 (28.6 percent) four-star, and the remaining were three-star and below.

The colleges were urged to improve on quality and performance to remain competitive and a choice of local and foreign students.

"If they continue to remain below three stars, the market will eventually determine their fate. I don't like to say the government will do this and that but the market will discipline them," he told reporters after announcing the results of MyQuest assessment 2010/2011.

He suggested that non-competitive colleges merge and implement Capacity Building Programmes to improve competitiveness and achievement.

Some 403 private institutions of higher learning participated in the rating but only 310 colleges completed the web-based instruments. BERNAMA